The record-setting winter storm that settled over the Front Range dumped more than 21/2 feet of snow on Eldora Mountain Resort, but ski area officials were forced to turn some people away after running out of parking space Saturday.

Down in Boulder, the official snowfall from the storm -- Thursday night through Saturday morning -- was measured at 22.7 inches, according to meteorologist Matt Kelsch. That figure smashed Boulder's previous record for the heaviest February snowstorm of 16.5 inches, recorded in 1968.

Eldora, above Nederland, received 31 inches of snow from the storm, drawing huge crowds that caused the parking shortage.

"This is a very unusual case for us," said Rob Linde, a spokesman for Eldora. "We got over 2 feet of snow, and it was also unusual because we were one of the only places in the state to get snow. So anyone chasing the snow came up here."

Linde said some people who had booked lessons were allowed to be dropped off, but the resort had to start turning most people away by late morning.

"There were just too many people," he said. "It is an unfortunate situation. If you anticipate it will be a great powder day, try and get up here as early as you can."

The Nederland Park-n-Ride was also full, and Linde said a robotics event at Nederland High School cut into some of Eldora's overflow parking.

David Rodman, of Denver, said he arrived at the ski area at around 10 a.m. after an almost two-hour drive only to find out there were no parking spots.

"I was really depressed, disappointed ... " he said.

Rodman said he thought the ski area should have updated its website or put signs farther down the road to warn people earlier. He added the experience has left a bad taste in his mouth.

"The only reason I would go up there again is for conditions like this, where nobody else gets snow," he said. "And I'm going to leave Denver at like 6 in the morning."

Police did later set up a roadblock in Nederland to inform people the ski area had run out of parking space.

Courtney Ahn and her son Philip, 11, drove up to Nederland from Denver, but when they arrived at around 11 a.m., they were told by a police officer to turn around. Ahn, a Boulder native, said she had never heard of such a situation.

"Never have I ever been turned away from Eldora, or any other ski resort," Ahn said.

Philip said it was especially frustrating because the ski area had gotten so much new snow.

Tina Cartelli and her daughter Isabella, 4, recover after sledding in Broomfield on Saturday.
(
David R Jennings
)

"They got 31 inches, but we didn't get to ski, which is sad," he said.

Those who did get to Eldora posted on Facebook saying the conditions were great, even if the crowds were larger than normal.

"Snow is great, but where did all of these people come from?" Zach Street posted.

"Quit yer crying the lot was full, did you expect them to hold a parking spot for you?" posted Chris Epp.

Police radio traffic indicated around 100 people were waiting for buses after the lifts closed at 4:30 p.m.

The snow stopped falling mid-morning in Boulder, and the weather Sunday is expected to be dry, with a high of 35. The snow could return at the beginning of the week, with a 20 percent chance of snow Monday night.

New coordinator pushes Buffs to work, play at level he expectsJim Leavitt has discovered this much about his new defense at Colorado: He has some talent with which to work, but his players need to put it in another gear. Full Story